Last updated: 16 February 2024

Next review: 16 February 2025

Glossary

The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust have developed the Thrive framework as a new model for CAMHS. It is a way of thinking about the needs of children, young people and their families. With this model needs are measured under four categories:

  • Getting advice
  • Getting help
  • Getting more help
  • Getting risk support

You may encounter some of the following professionals:

Advocacy 

Helps you to access information and services and helps you to make decisions about your life, exploring choices and options

CAMHS practitioners 

Involve lots of mental health professionals working together to provide individual and family work helping children and young people under the age of 18, who experience emotional difficulties or mental health problems.

Child and adolescent psychiatrists 

Medical practitioners who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health.

Child and Adolescent psychotherapists may see children and young people individually or with other family members. The therapy may be through talking or play, depending on age. The child has an opportunity to work towards understanding themselves, their relationships, and their behaviours.

Psychologists

Assess and help with young people's psychological functioning, emotional wellbeing, and development. There are different types of psychologists, such as Clinical Psychologists and Educational Psychologists, but they all help with the way you behave, feel, and think about things.

Counsellors

Trained to give guidance on personal or psychological problems.

Family psychotherapists 

Work with young people and their families together. If you're referred to a family therapist you might meet them regularly so they can help you manage the difficulties happening in your life. You can decide who comes to the meetings and what you will speak about.

General practitioners (GPs)

GPs are doctors that treat patients with minor or chronic illnesses and refer those with serious conditions to a hospital.

Specialist nurse therapists 

Dedicated to a particular area of nursing providing direct patient care, and play a vital role in educating patients on how best to manage their symptoms.